How much time it takes to show the symptoms of Rabies?

Question

HI, My Brother had a Stray Dog bite in 1991. As it was a Stray dog he underwent for Vaccine for Dog Bite. From then he never had any kind of Symptoms which i found in Rabies Sympotms mentioned by some of the Moderator. But my Question is can the Rabies Virus activate after 10-15 years of the Incidence or Can a survive with Rabies Virus for longer period without any medical assistance? He has got believe that in future he might get the Rabies Infection.

Your answer will make lots of Difference.

Regards,
Pramod

Answer 1

I've never heard of this; animals who are suspected of being rabid are kept in quarantine for only 10 days. If a person has received a rabies vaccine, then he should be safe. I have never heard of the virus surviving in a person for an extended period of time, although of course the antibodies may be there for life.

Answer 2

I am not fully klnowledgeable in this field, but I believe that the time lapse from 1991 to now, is a factor that would give rise to a feeling that the infection is probably not going to manifest itself.
Rabies is an acute and deadly viral infection of the central nervous system caused by a virus that is present in the saliva of infected warm-blooded animals. Rabies is usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal. It is described as one of the most terrifying diseases known to man. Exposure to or a bite from a rabies-infected animal does not always cause the disease. Symptoms may not occur for a long period of time following exposure. There is a direct relationship between the severity and location of the bite, and the length of the incubation period.
There are three types of rabies vaccines :-Human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV). Rabies vaccine adsorbed (RVA). Purified chick embryo cell culture. Treatment with one of these vaccines after exposure requires 5 injections over a four-week period. Reactions to the vaccine may include: swelling or redness at the vaccine site, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, and dizziness. Post-exposure treatment (vaccination and anti-rabies serum) for a "probable rabies" bite should begin as soon as possible. Some healthcare professionals say within 24 to 48 hours of exposure, but many experts recommend that treatment be started as soon as possible any time a rabies exposure is suspected -- even if there is a delay of more than 48 hours.
You said in your question that your brother had had injections for a 'dog bite'. It would be a good idea to check with the medical department/doctor that treated him and enquire if the treatment was anti rabies or anti - maybe - tetanus etc. and enquire of your concern for the infection.
Hope this helps.
matador 89

Answer 3

If someone has been bitten by a stray dog and had not been vaccinated, that is a cause for serious concern. The step is to take the stray dog and put it in a cage. Observe the dog for 10 - 14 days, and when the dog showed signs of restlessness and salivation, the dog is positive with rabies. If the person bitten has not seek medical attention, symptoms will manifest, and is not reversible. Outcome: Death. I have seen plenty of these patients and it is not a pretty sight.

If, however, the person underwent vaccination, it will be a permanent protection from rhabdovirus. When my youngest son was bitten by a stray cat, 5 shots of anti-rabies vaccine was enough (in different dates of course). And this vaccination provide permanent protection from rabies. So that person is safe. Even he was bitten again by a stray dog or cat.

Answer 4

Ok- does the mother have rabies? Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The saliva of the infected animal gets into the blood stream. Rabies is a fairly quick disease. In a matter of days after the bite, symptoms will appear. Not months. Obviously all the pups should see a vet and should have been handled daily from day one. I fear for the adoption prospects of these pups since the mom was a street dog and obviously the pups have gone 4 weeks without human socialization.

Answer 5

Hi Pramod...
fully understand your concern...
relax ..okay ?
usually, the full clinical picture of "Rabies" occur from few hours to few days or few weeks of the bite, provided no post-exposure vaccination is done..
In your brothers case, I think it is a case of apprehension rather than reality...
He had a dog bie..and he has got vaccinated..there ends the story..
why worry about it now ?
anyway..for your satisfaction, I suggest you to get an opinion from "infectious disease specialist" from a GOOD hospital...nearby...
okay ?
relax...once you get this opinion, you will be more relaxed and happy..right ?
best wishes....